NCOE band members take part in Heartland Honor Band and Choir Festival

On Saturday, Feb. 2, six NCOE band members and two choir members took part in the Heartland Honor Band and Choir Festival at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. One Freshman, Joli Murphy (Bass Clarinet); two sophomores, Drake Carter (Alto Saxophone 1) and Anthony Campbell (Percussion) were chosen to participate. Three...

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The Carmi Times - Carmi, IL

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Posted Feb. 12, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Posted Feb. 12, 2013 at 2:00 PM

On Saturday, Feb. 2, six NCOE band members and two choir members took part in the Heartland Honor Band and Choir Festival at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. One Freshman, Joli Murphy (Bass Clarinet); two sophomores, Drake Carter (Alto Saxophone 1) and Anthony Campbell (Percussion) were chosen to participate. Three juniors, Jonathan Dauby (Trumpet 2), Tyler Lamb (Trumpet 1) and Brittney Suits (Soprano 1) participated as well. Two seniors, Luke Marsh (Bass) and Brady Webb (Percussion) also attended the event.

High School band and choir directors nominate students for the Heartland Honors Festival. Students participate in master classes, all-day workshops and rehearsals, and audition for chair assignments in the performing band. Once nominees are chosen, music is sent to the high schools, two weeks in advance, for the students to learn. When the students arrive at SIUC for festival weekend, they had familiarized themselves with the music that was given to them in advance. However, festival weekend was the first time the students actually played/sang together in a group.

There were many nominations from area high schools to fill available spots in the two honor bands and a 9-12 grade choir. The Concert Band consisted of a freshman and sophomore band, while the Symphonic Band was made up of juniors and seniors. The SIUC Concert Choir opened the concert. The Honor choir then performed five pieces following the SIUC Concert Choir. Both bands performed four pieces with the SIUC Wind Ensemble performing three pieces in between the Honor Bands.